NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE

PUSH – ONE INTERVENTION PROGRAM

MATHEMATICS

GRADE 12

LAST PUSH

2022

TRIGONOMETRY
TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITES

THULANI MJIKWA mjikwat@mathsandscienceinfinity.org.za +2774 772 9926

 CONCEPT HOW TO LEARN IT? RELEVANT FORMULAE AND
KEYWORDS
Reduction formula Master the properties of all 4 quadrants. First quadrant: 𝜃

Second quadrant: 180° − 𝜃

Third quadrant: 180° + 𝜃

Fourth quadrant: 360° − 𝜃

Definition of the Trigonometry functions regarding the Simplify

4 quadrants.
Show that:
All angles must be expressed in the form of an acute
angle.

𝜃 is always regarded as an acute angle.

Reduction formula is applied when simplifying

trigonometry expressions that comprises of:

180° ± 𝜃 or 360° − 𝜃
 Classify angles according to quadrants they belong to. Practice exam type questions.

Know the reduction formulae very well and know the

correct use.
Always relate to angles to 180° ± 𝜃 or 360° − 𝜃 Practice exam type questions.

90° ± can be used but remember to change the name

(co-functions).

sin(90° − 𝜃) = + cos 𝜃

sin(90° + 𝜃) = + cos 𝜃

cos(90° − 𝜃) = + sin 𝜃

cos(90° + 𝜃) = −sin 𝜃

Note: use 90° ± only if you do not have a choice.

DO NOT TOUCH 270° ±

Negative angle (−𝜃)

sin(−𝜃) = − sin 𝜃

cos(−𝜃) = + cos 𝜃

tan(−𝜃) = − tan 𝜃

Simplifying a trigonometry expression.

Identities Square identity 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 1

 Quotient identity sin 𝜃
tan 𝜃 =
cos 𝜃
Special angles Master the properties of equilateral triangles and 45° 30°; 45°; 60° and 90°
isosceles triangles.
0°; 180°; 270° and 360°

Angles that involve: Without the use of a calculator.

30°; 45°; 60° and 90° Leave your answer in surd form.

0°; 180°; 270° and 360°

Use an equilateral triangle to construct and design Practice exam type questions.
special angles.

Use an isosceles triangle of 45° to construct and

design special angles.
Reduce any angle to be one of the following; Practice exam type questions.

30°; 45°; 60° and 90°

Solutions are always expressed as a common fraction

in surd form.
Trigonometric equations without Master the Pythagoras’ theorem
using a calculator
Trigonometric ratios.

(𝐻𝑦𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑠𝑒)2 = (𝑂𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒)2 + (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡)2

𝑂𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
sin 𝜃 =
𝐻𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒

𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡
cos 𝜃 =
𝐻𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒

𝑂𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
tan 𝜃 =
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡
Application of Pythagoras’ theorem Determine: sin 𝜃, cos 𝜃 or tan 𝜃

Ratios of Sine; Cosine and Tangent (SOH CAH TOA).

Sketching a right-angled triangle in the appropriate

quadrant.

Solutions must be always expressed as a common

fraction.
Identify appropriate quadrants where the angle lies. Practice exam type questions.
In the appropriate quadrant correctly draw the right –
angled triangle that describes the trig equation.
 Master the Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometric Practice exam type questions.
ratios.

Sketching a right-angled triangle in the appropriate

quadrant.
Compound – angle identities Express any angle in the form of: (𝜃 + 𝛽) or (𝜃 − 𝛽) sin(𝜃 + 𝛽) = sin 𝜃 cos 𝛽 + sin 𝛽 cos 𝜃

sin(𝜃 − 𝛽) = sin 𝜃 cos 𝛽 − sin 𝛽 cos 𝜃

cos(𝜃 + 𝛽) = cos 𝜃 cos 𝛽 − sin 𝜃 sin 𝛽

cos(𝜃 − 𝛽) = cos 𝜃 cos 𝛽 + sin 𝜃 sin 𝛽

Sum and difference of angles in a given trigonometric Show that

function.
Prove that
Product of Sine and Cosine
Master simplification of compound angles. Practice exam type questions.

Try and spot the “Algebra” in the question and

relate it to the trigonometry.
Express any angle in the form of: (𝜃 + 𝛽) or (𝜃 − 𝛽) Practice exam type questions.

Simplifying the trigonometric identities.

Double – angle identities Express any angle in the form of 2𝜃 sin 2𝜃 = 2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃

cos 2𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃

cos 2𝜃 = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 1

cos 2𝜃 = 1 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
Angles that are multiplied by 2. Show that
 Prove that
Master simplification of compound angles. Practice exam type questions.

Express any angle in the form of 2𝜃 Practice exam type questions.

Simplifying the trigonometry identities.

Trigonometric equations and The domain is open: (−∞ ; ∞) Sine:
general solutions
Master the periods of different trigonometric functions 𝜃 = 𝜃𝑟𝑒𝑓 + 360°𝑘

and

𝜃 = (180° − 𝜃𝑟𝑒𝑓 ) + 360°𝑘

where: 𝑘 ∈ ℤ
Cosine:
𝜃 = 𝜃𝑟𝑒𝑓 + 360°𝑘

and

𝜃 = (360° − 𝜃𝑟𝑒𝑓 ) + 360°𝑘

where: 𝑘 ∈ ℤ
Tangent:

𝜃 = 𝜃𝑟𝑒𝑓 + 180°𝑘

where: 𝑘 ∈ ℤ

Solution of trigonometry equations without domain General solution

given.
 Trigonometry equations have infinite solutions.

Periods of trigonometric functions.

Master how to solve for the reference angle. Practice exam type questions

Master the period for the trigonometry function you Know how to use your calculator to find an angle
are dealing with.
Master that +360°𝑘 is for sine and cosine. Practice exam type questions

Master that +180°𝑘 is for tangent.

Determine the reference angle.

State the periods of the trig ratio you are dealing with.
Restrictions on identities Master how to sketch the graph of original Range: 𝑦 ∈ [−1 ; 1] for sine and cosine
trigonometric functions.
Range: 𝑦 ∈ ℝ for tangent.

Domain: 𝜃 ≠ ±90° + 180°𝑘 for tangent

Domain: 𝜃 ∈ (−∞ ; ∞) for sine and cosine

Conditions of a common fraction regarding a Where is the identity not valid

denominator NOT equal to ZERO.

−1 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 1 for Sine and Cosine.

tan(90° ± 180°𝑘) is undefined where 𝑘 ∈ ℤ

Master the domain and range for different Practice exam type questions
trigonometry functions.
 Integrate the concept of numbers in number operations
e.g.:

sin 𝜃
√tan 𝜃, tan 𝜃 ≥ 0 and , cos 𝜃 ≠ 0
cos 𝜃

Master the range and domain of trigonometric Practice exam type questions
functions.

Specify restrictions all times.

Trigonometric graphs Master how to sketch the graph of original 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎 sin 𝑏(𝑐𝑥 ± 𝑝) ± 𝑞
trigonometric functions.
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑎 cos 𝑏(𝑐𝑥 ± 𝑝) ± 𝑞

ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑎 tan 𝑏(𝑐𝑥 ± 𝑝) ± 𝑞

Transformation of graphs, that is, translation and Period
reflection.
Amplitude

Frequency
Be always in the know of the domain and range of the Practice exam type questions.
trig graphs.
Know how to sketch a graph.

Know how to read off from a graph.

Master sketching the graphs of: Practice exam type questions.

𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥, 𝑔(𝑥) = cos 𝑥 and ℎ(𝑥) = tan 𝑥

Transformation of graphs.
Trigonometric formulae Know how to substitute into the correct formula and 1
when to use which one. 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 = 𝑎𝑏 sin 𝐶̂
2
 sin 𝐴̂ sin 𝐵̂ sin 𝐶̂
= =
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐

𝑎2 = 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐 cos 𝐴̂
Area rule is for the area of a non-right-angled triangle. Area

Cosine rule is when three sides are given or two Side

sides and the included angle.
Angle
Sine rule is for the rest of the time.
Use these formulae when it is a non-right-angled Apply your knowledge.
triangle.

In a right-angled triangle, it is theorem of Pythagoras.

Expect this question at the end of the trigonometric This is usually the real-life application.
section.

The more sums you practice the better you will

become.
Activity 1
WITHOUT the use of a calculator, prove that:
tan 480°.sin 300°.cos 14°.sin(−135°) 3
1.1 = (6)
sin 104° cos 225° 2
√2(√3−1)
1.2 cos 75° = (4)
4

1.3 cos(90° − 2𝑥) . tan(180° + 𝑥) + sin2 (360° − 𝑥) = 3 sin2 𝑥 (6)

1.4 (tan 𝑥 − 1)(sin 2𝑥 − 2cos2 𝑥) = 2(1 − 2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥) (5)
sin 190°.cos 225°.tan 390° 1
1.5 = (7)
cos 100° .sin 135° √3
cos(360°−𝑥).tan2 𝑥 1
1.6 = (5)
sin(𝑥−180°).cos(90°+𝑥) cos 𝑥

sin4 𝑥+sin2 𝑥.cos2 𝑥

1.7 = 1 − cos 𝑥 (4)
1+cos 𝑥
4 sin θ cos θ cos 2θ sin 15° √6−√2
1.8 = (6)
sin 2θ(tan 225°−2sin2 θ) 2
cos 2𝑥 cos 𝑥−sin 𝑥
1.9 = (4)
1+sin 2𝑥 sin 𝑥+cos 𝑥

Activity 2
Simplify the following WITHOUT the use of a calculator:
tan(180°+𝑥).cos(360°−𝑥)
2.1 (8)
sin(180−𝑥).cos(90°+𝑥)+cos(540°+𝑥).cos(−𝑥)
1−cos 2𝑥−sin 𝑥
2.2 (5)
sin 2𝑥−cos 𝑥
2.3 sin(90° − 𝑥) . cos(180° − 𝑥) + tan 𝑥 . cos(−𝑥) . sin(180° + 𝑥) (7)

sin2 θ
2.4 (5)
sin(180°−θ).cos(90°+θ)+tan 45°

sin 104°(2cos2 15°−1)

2.5 (8)
tan 38°.sin2 412°
sin(90°+θ)+cos(180°+θ) sin(−θ)
2.6 (5)
sin 180°−tan 135°
sin(450°−𝑥). tan(𝑥−180°) sin 23° cos 23°
2.7 (6)
cos 44° .sin(−𝑥)
 sin 130°.tan 60°
2.8 (7)
cos 540°.tan 230°.sin 400°

2.9 (1 − √2 sin 75°)(√2 sin 75° + 1) (4)

tan(360°−𝑥).sin(90°+𝑥)
2.10 (5)
sin(−𝑥)

Activity 3
Determine the general solution:
3.1 cos 2𝑥 = 1 − 3 cos 𝑥. (7)
tan 𝑥−1
3.2 = −3. (5)
2

3.3 sin 𝑥 + 2cos2 𝑥 = 1. (7)

4
3.4 6 cos 𝑥 − 5 = ; cos 𝑥 ≠ 0. (6)
cos 𝑥

3.5 1 + 4sin2 𝑥 − 5 sin 𝑥 + cos 2𝑥 = 0 (7)

3.6 sin2 𝑥 + cos 2𝑥 − cos 𝑥 = 0 (7)
3.7 cos 2𝑥 − 7 cos 𝑥 − 3 = 0. (6)
3.8 cos 2𝑥 = sin 𝑥 − 2 (7)
3.9 sin 𝑥 = 2cos 2 15° − 1 (7)

Activity 4
𝑝
4.1 If cos 𝛽 = where 𝑝 < 0 and 𝛽 ∈ [180°; 360°], determine, using a diagram, an
√5
expression in terms of 𝑝 for:
4.1.1 tan 𝛽 (4)
4.1.2 cos 2𝛽 (3)
3
4.2 It is known that 13 sin 𝛼 − 5 = 0 and tan 𝛽 = − 4 where 𝛼 ∈ [90°; 270°] and
𝛽 ∈ [90°; 270°]. Determine, without using a calculator, the values of the following:
4.2.1 cos 𝛼 (3)
4.2.2 cos(𝛼 + 𝛽) (5)
8
4.3 Given: sin 𝛼 = where 90° ≤ 𝛼 ≤ 270°
17

With the aid of a sketch and without the use of a calculator, calculate:
4.3.1 tan 𝛼 (3)
4.3.2 sin(90° + 𝛼) (2)
 4.3.3 cos 2𝛼 (3)
3
4.4 Given: tan 𝛼 = 4; where 𝛼 ∈ [0°; 90°]

With the use of a sketch and without the use of a calculator, calculate:
4.4.1 sin 𝛼 (3)
4.4.2 cos2 (90° − 𝛼) − 1 (2)
4.4.3 1 − 2 sin 2𝛼 (3)
4.5 If 4 tan θ = 3 and 180° < 𝜃 < 360°, determine with the aid of a diagram:
4.5.1 sin θ + cos θ (4)
4.5.2 tan 2θ (5)

4.6 Given that sin 23° = √𝑘, determine, in its simplest form, the value of each of the
following in terms of 𝑘, without using a calculator:
4.6.1 sin 203° (2)
4.6.2 cos 23° (3)
4.6.3 tan(−23°) (2)
4.7 If sin 23° = 𝑝, write down the following in terms of 𝑝. Do NOT use a calculator.
4.7.1 cos 113° (2)
4.7.2 cos 23° (2)
4.7.3 sin 46° (2)
4.8 If sin 36° cos 12° = 𝑝 and cos 36° sin 12° = 𝑞, determine in terms of 𝑝 and 𝑞 the
value of:
4.8.1 sin 48° (3)
4.8.2 sin 24° (3)
4.8.3 cos 24° (3)
4.9 If sin 28° = 𝑎 and cos 32° = 𝑏, determine the following in terms of 𝑎 and/or 𝑏:
4.9.1 cos 28° (2)
4.9.2 cos 64° (3)
4.9.3 sin 4° (4)
4.10 If cos 62° = 𝑚, determine the value of each of the following in terms of 𝑚.
4.10.1 sin 28° (2)
4.10.2 cos 362° (4)
4.11 If sin 61° = √𝑝, determine the following in terms of 𝑝:

4.11.1 sin 241° (2)

4.11.2 cos 61° (2)
4.11.3 cos 122° (3)
4.12 If cos 34° = 𝑝, without using a calculator, write down the following in
terms of 𝑝:
4.12.1 cos 214° (2)
4.12.2 cos 68° (2)
4.12.3 tan 56° (4)
4.13 If tan 32° = 𝑚, determine the following in terms of 𝑚 without using a calculator.
4.13.1 sin 58° (2)
4.13.2 sin 296° (3)
4.13.3 cos 2° (3)